Cape Town to Barcelona

Marvel at the magnificent presence of South Africa’s “Mother City,” where the iconic Table Mountain invites discovery and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden enchants. Take in the extraordinary scenery of the Cape Peninsula, explore history at Robben Island, visit up-and-coming art galleries, and savor the celebrated vintages of Stellenbosch.

Marvel at the magnificent presence of South Africa’s “Mother City,” where the iconic Table Mountain invites discovery and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden enchants. Take in the extraordinary scenery of the Cape Peninsula, explore history at Robben Island, visit up-and-coming art galleries, and savor the celebrated vintages of Stellenbosch.

This stretch of coast along the Indian Ocean, aptly called the Garden Route, receives 300 days of sunshine a year, ranking only behind Hawaii as having the world’s mildest year-round climate. All this sunshine is put to good use, nurturing ecologically diverse habitat for a wonderful abundance of plant and animal life. The sun also fosters the human desire to indulge in exciting outdoor adventures. Ten nature reserves and several protected marine areas provide chances to see coral reefs, dolphins, seals and, in season, the endangered southern right whale. Excellent beaches are great places to hang ten, or simply hang out. Shoppers will enjoy trolling for handcrafted treasures in town, while history buffs will relish a trip to the museum complex focusing on the arrival of the first Europeans, who arrived in the bay in 1488.

Port Elizabeth is considered the water sport capital of South Africa and with its scuba diving, game fishing, and kiteboarding it’s easy to see why. Delight in countless beach activities, and a diverse wildlife featuring dolphins, seals, and free-flying birds.

East London is a popularly and informally defined part of London, capital of the United Kingdom. By most definitions, it is east of the ancient City of London and north of the River Thames.

Be charmed by the Durban’s mouth-watering cuisine and golden beaches. This popular holiday destination is perfect all year round and has one of the most intriguing cultural blends of Eastern, Western and African influences in the world.

Fully immerse yourself in the protected beauty of this lagoon town. There are plenty of interesting sights and experiences to choose from including game reserves with hippos, crocodiles, and the rare pink-backed pelican.

Dance the night away in this energetic city with a rich history. Known for its nightlife and wildlife, Maputo is a dynamic destination for you to enjoy. Take time to relax on gorgeous beaches and engage with the friendly locals.

Off the coast of Tanzania, the island of Zanzibar is imbued with exotic local spices and fruits, such as clove, lemon grass, jackfruit and mango. The aroma of these enticing scents fills the air as you explore the town, from its intricately carved doors and grand palaces to its formidable forts and sugar-white beaches. Peruse the market for a lovely keepsake of this unique place, or simply enjoy a cool drink in Old Stone Town.

Off the coast of Tanzania, the island of Zanzibar is imbued with exotic local spices and fruits, such as clove, lemon grass, jackfruit and mango. The aroma of these enticing scents fills the air as you explore the town, from its intricately carved doors and grand palaces to its formidable forts and sugar-white beaches. Peruse the market for a lovely keepsake of this unique place, or simply enjoy a cool drink in Old Stone Town.

Mombasa lies on a coral island linked to the mainland by causeways. This is Kenyas second-largest city and its chief port. Its long and complex history includes a well-established part of important trade routes, a city cloaked in Middle Eastern mystery, Portuguese Indian cultures creating an exotic and colorful atmosphere. White beaches border ink-blue Indian Ocean waters, but most visitors are drawn to Kenyas vast interior game reserves.

Mombasa lies on a coral island linked to the mainland by causeways. This is Kenyas second-largest city and its chief port. Its long and complex history includes a well-established part of important trade routes, a city cloaked in Middle Eastern mystery, Portuguese Indian cultures creating an exotic and colorful atmosphere. White beaches border ink-blue Indian Ocean waters, but most visitors are drawn to Kenyas vast interior game reserves.

This capital city of the Seychelles lies on Mahé, the largest of the 115 islands. It is not boastful about its importance to the island’s cultural and administrative center, as its mere two dozen avenues are cozy and inviting, backing up against steep mountains and bustling with cafés and colorful architecture. Visit the Botanical Gardens for a glimpse into the lush fauna that cloaks the island, and venture from Victoria in search of the Seychelles natural splendor.

This capital city of the Seychelles lies on Mahé, the largest of the 115 islands. It is not boastful about its importance to the island’s cultural and administrative center, as its mere two dozen avenues are cozy and inviting, backing up against steep mountains and bustling with cafés and colorful architecture. Visit the Botanical Gardens for a glimpse into the lush fauna that cloaks the island, and venture from Victoria in search of the Seychelles natural splendor.

Praslin, the second largest island of Seychelles and arguably tops in attractions, features stunning beaches, azure seas, tangles of jungle and a trademark relaxed atmosphere. What makes Praslin unique is the Vallée de Mai, a protected forest of rare fauna, and most famously the coco de mer palm, a tree that produces the world’s largest seed and palm flower. The grove is one of Seychelles’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has been aptly called the Garden of Eden.

Atiny dot of land covering an area of approximately one square mile, the island of Malé (pronounced “maaley”) is among the largest of the miniscule coral islets of the Maldives, the countrys political, business and cultural center. Sugar-white beaches are sanctuary to countless sea birds, while coral reefs host an endless variety of exotic fish and marine life.

Atiny dot of land covering an area of approximately one square mile, the island of Malé (pronounced “maaley”) is among the largest of the miniscule coral islets of the Maldives, the countrys political, business and cultural center. Sugar-white beaches are sanctuary to countless sea birds, while coral reefs host an endless variety of exotic fish and marine life.

Sri Lanka’s capital until recent times, this fascinating city is filled with an intriguing blend of cosmopolitan buildings and ancient temples. A key stop on the spice routes, Portuguese, Dutch, and British trading companies left behind churches, monuments and religions, as well as smatterings of their languages that have been incorporated into the speech and daily routine of the local Sri Lankans.

Goa has the ability to revitalize the soul, whether one craves the energy of nightlife and zest for revelry, or the rejuvenating power of meditative yoga on an endless beach. It’s all here, from the dynamic bazaars buzzing with color and spices to the curious blend of Portuguese and Indian traditions and architecture – all celebrated with zeal and joy in Goa.

Formerly known as Bombay, this city of temples where Mahatma Gandhi once lived, is home to extraordinary UNESCO treasures including the Elephanta and Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and the Red Fort Complex. Overland journeys may be arranged to the exquisite Taj Mahal and the 2019-inscribed Jaipur Rajasthan, known also as the Pink City and revered for its colonnaded City Palace complex with royal gardens and courtyards.

Formerly known as Bombay, this city of temples where Mahatma Gandhi once lived, is home to extraordinary UNESCO treasures including the Elephanta and Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and the Red Fort Complex. Overland journeys may be arranged to the exquisite Taj Mahal and the 2019-inscribed Jaipur Rajasthan, known also as the Pink City and revered for its colonnaded City Palace complex with royal gardens and courtyards.

Like a magic carpet spread before the sea, Omans coastal plain is one of the most fertile areas of Arabia. Famous since antiquity as the source of frankincense, Salalah was already a prosperous town when Marco Polo visited it in the 13th century! Inland rise the forbidding Al-Quarà Mountains, and the desolate “Empty Quarter” of central Saudi Arabia.

As the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia and gateway to Mecca, Jeddah is a dynamic and cosmopolitan commercial hub. It is also an artistic one, with public art on display in its roundabouts. In fact, the collection, which includes works by Alexander Calder and Joan Miró, makes the city the largest open-air art gallery in the world. For shopaholics, Jeddah is a paradise, with Tahlia Street boasting an array of upscale department stores and boutiques carrying names such as Prada and Gucci. And for anyone who appreciates scenic beauty, there are lovely beaches and a picturesque corniche, where locals and visitors alike can be found relaxing and drinking in the views.

On the Red Sea coast, this small city offers beautiful beaches and glorious weather, even snorkeling and diving among the offshore reefs. More intriguingly, it serves as the gateway to Luxor on the west bank of the Nile River, where the Valley of the Kings reveals the elaborate tombs and underground mausoleums of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses II.

On the Red Sea coast, this small city offers beautiful beaches and glorious weather, even snorkeling and diving among the offshore reefs. More intriguingly, it serves as the gateway to Luxor on the west bank of the Nile River, where the Valley of the Kings reveals the elaborate tombs and underground mausoleums of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses II.

Situated at the top of its namesake gulf, Aqaba brings a refreshing release from the rose-colored desert to the north. Its sandy beaches and coral reefs are the most pristine on the Red Sea, and Jordanians hope to preserve them through careful planning. Beyond the modernity of Aqaba itself, the UNESCO treasure of Petra – an ancient rock-carved Nabataean city once lost to the Western world – and the wonders of the Wadi Rum await discovery.

Piraeus is Greeces largest port and has been a gateway to the Mediterranean since 482 BC. It lies on the innermost point of the Saronic Gulf and is a short drive from Athens, the cradle of Western democracy and culture. Throughout the ages, Athens lofty Acropolis has been a source of inspiration. The ancient ruins scattered throughout this legendary city are reminders of Greeces great cultural heritage.

As your ship approaches the Sorrento Peninsula, delight in craggy cliffs draped with flowing pink blossoms.Renowned for its serene way of life, this romantic port exudes a special magic. Its dramatic bluffs and surrounding flowered hills bid travelers welcome to a town overflowing with charm and character. It is easy to relax in this languid southern Italian atmosphere.The sensational Amalfi Coast and the haunting ruins at Pompeii are among the regions highlights.

Venture through Civitavecchia, noted for its fine seafood and beautiful monuments. Then, travel to the Eternal City of Rome, with more than 2,500 years of history and ancient landmarks that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Barcelona’s seaside beauty, sprawling beaches, eclectic architecture, world-class tapas and Tempranillo are all reasons to fall in love with the city of Gaudí. Indeed, the treasures here are many and diverse, captivating travelers and experts alike. In fact, nine important sites in the city, seven designed by the famed architect himself, have earned the acclaim of UNESCO.